Dystopias abound at the Abilene Public Library

Many of us have heard of the popular “Hunger Games” trilogy by Suzanne Collins. Many also grew up reading “The Giver” by Lois Lowry. And, who has not heard the phrase, “big brother is watching you,” coined from the classic novel “1984” by George Orwell?

What these books have in common is the fact that they are dystopias. The opposite of utopia, the perfect society, dystopian societies often are established after a cataclysmic event, and frequently feature a totalitarian government or some other form of repression.

Although many such tales are bleak from start to finish, some initially appear utopian, then things go downhill. All of these books, however, are disturbing — and they have become very popular in recent years, especially among teens.

Don’t let the books’ young-adult status fool you; they can be as bleak and disturbing as any adult novel.

“Unwind” by Neal Shusterman is one such title. The first in a trilogy, the story takes place after a second American Civil War, in which abortion has been outlawed. The story follows the struggles of three teens whose parents have chosen to have them “unwound,” which is society’s alternative to abortion.

Unwinding is a process by which parents can sign over their 13- to 17-year-old children to have the children’s organs harvested for donation while they are technically kept alive in a “separated state.”

The second book, “UnWholly,” was released last year. The third book, “UnSouled,” is due out in fall.

Several strictly dystopian novels, including “Unwind,” are available for all ages. However, if you’re looking for something different, many books featuring dystopias now blend genres.

Two dystopian young-adult titles for example, “Delirium” by Lauren Oliver and “Matched” by Ally Condie, also have strong romantic themes. Both novels are the first in their respective trilogies, in which the concluding novels recently have been released.

An adult genre bender, “Flashback” by Dan Simmons, is a mystery/thriller taking place in a dystopian America in the future. The story follows Nick, a drug addict and former police detective, as he investigates a murder that he previously had been unable to solve.

“Stormdancer” by Jay Kristoff, another adult genre bender, is the first novel in a new fantasy trilogy set in a dystopian, steampunk feudal Japan. The story follows 16-year old Yukiko, who is living under the tyranny of the Shima Imperium. When she accompanies her father on a hunt to capture a mythical beast, she finds herself stranded in the wilderness with the furious crippled creature and discovers she has a telepathic connection with it.

“The Unwanteds,” by Lisa McMann, also is a fantasy genre bender. It, however, is intended for children. Set in the dystopian land of Quill, children are sorted at age 13 into two categories. Strong, intelligent children become Wanteds. They are sent to university. Artistic children on the other hand become Unwanteds and are sentenced to death. The story follows Alex and other Unwanteds who are rescued by a magician and taken to a magical world where they will go to school to learn artistic magic.

Your Abilene Public Library carries several other recent and classic titles for all ages to explore, including: “Agenda 21” by Harriet Parke and Glenn Beck; “Son” (fourth and final novel in the Giver series) by Lois Lowry; and “Divergent” (first in the ongoing Insurgent trilogy) by Veronica Roth. Many titles also are available in audiobook format.

And, don’t forget to check out dystopian movies, including “Blade Runner,” “The Hunger Games” and “Total Recall.” These and many more books, audiobooks and DVDs will be on display just inside the front doors this month at the main Abilene Public Library, 202 Cedar St. Please come by and have a look.

Amber Shelfer is library assistant I at the main Abilene Public Library.